Closure device

ABSTRACT

A container ( 110 ) including a closure device ( 121 ) is disclosed. The closure device ( 121 ) includes a pair of interlocking fastening strips ( 130, 132 ) and a slider ( 134 ) for occluding and deoccluding the fastening strips ( 130, 132 ). The fastening strips ( 130, 132 ) are interlocked when the slider ( 134 ) is at a first end ( 136 ). The slider ( 134 ) includes a separator ( 192 ) that is configured to urge the fastening strips ( 130, 132 ) to wrap around the separator ( 192 ) to provide a seal when the slider ( 134 ) is at the first end ( 136 ) of the fastening strips ( 130, 132 ). The slider ( 134 ) can include a nose portion ( 252 ) for latching the slider ( 134 ) at the first end ( 136 ) of the fastening strips ( 130, 132 ). The slider ( 134 ) can include a valve ( 198 ). The slider ( 134 ) can have different configurations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers and, moreparticularly, to a closure device with a slider for occluding anddeoccluding the closure device. The invention is particularly wellsuited for fastening flexible storage containers, including plasticbags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of closure devices for fastening storage containers,including plastic bags, is generally known. Furthermore, those skilledin the art, as demonstrated by the numerous patents in this area,generally know the manufacture of closure devices made of plasticmaterials.

[0003] A particularly well-known use for closure devices is inconnection with flexible storage containers, such as plastic bags. Insome instances, the closure device and the associated container areformed from thermoplastic materials, and the closure device and the sidewalls of the container are integrally formed by extrusion as a singlepiece. Alternatively, the closure device and side walls of the containermay be formed as separate pieces and then connected by heat sealing orany other suitable connecting process. In either event, such closuredevices are particularly useful in providing a closure means forretaining matter within the bag.

[0004] A conventional closure device typically utilizes mating fasteningstrips or interlocking closure elements which are used to selectivelyseal the bag. In addition, a slider may be provided for use in openingand closing the fastening strips or closure elements. The slider mayinclude a separator, which extends at least partially between thefastening strips. When the slider is moved in the appropriate direction,the separator divides the fastening strips and opens the bag.

[0005] The separators currently being used are small and do not providespace for adding an additional feature. In addition, there is a need fora slider which will permit the user to remove or vent air from thecontainer. The present invention provides a larger separator whichpermits a vent to be added to the slider.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a need for a slider with a latching featureto hold the slider in the closed position on the bag. Also, there is aneed for a slider with a feature for providing a seal between the sliderand the fastening strips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed toward a container including abag and a closure device. The bag includes a first side wall and asecond side wall joined together by a first seam and a second seam. Theclosure device includes a first fastening strip, a second fasteningstrip, and a slider.

[0008] The first and the second fastening strips can be mounted to thefirst and the second side walls, respectively. The first and the secondfastening strips are adapted to interlock with each other over apredetermined length between first and second ends thereof.

[0009] The slider is movably disposed on the first fastening strip andthe second fastening strip. The slider facilitates the occlusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a first end thereof and thedeocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a second endthereof. The slider includes a top portion, a pair of side wallsdepending from the top portion, and a separator depending from the topportion and disposed between the first side wall and the second sidewall. The side walls straddle the fastening strips, and the separator isdisposed between the fastening strips.

[0010] In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention,the separator includes a first side surface and a second side surface.The surfaces form a body, a wedge for deoccluding the fastening strips,and a tapered plug for providing a seal between the slider and thefastening strips. The fastening strips and the separator of the sliderare operably engageable to provide a seal. The slider may include a noseportion for locking the slider into place at the first end of thefastening strips. The body of the slider may include a valve.

[0011] The present invention will become more readily apparent uponreading the following detailed description of the exemplifiedembodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to thepresent invention in the form of a plastic bag;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container takenalong line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container takenalong line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the container in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container takenalong line 5-5 in FIG. 1,

[0017]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the container inFIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the container inFIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the container inFIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the container in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container as inFIG. 3;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container as inFIG. 10;

[0023]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevational view of anotherembodiment of a container;

[0024]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the container inFIG. 12;

[0025]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the container inFIG. 12;

[0026]FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa container;

[0027]FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa container;

[0028]FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa container;

[0029]FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa container;

[0030]FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa container;

[0031]FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa container;

[0032]FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a slider having atwo-piece construction;

[0033]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the slider in FIG. 21;

[0034]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the slider in FIG. 21; and

[0035]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the slider taken along line24-24 in FIG. 23.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLIFIED EMBODIMENTS

[0036]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a container 110 in the form ofa plastic bag 120 having a sealable closure device 121. The bag 120includes a first side wall 122 and a second side wall 124 joined at afirst seam 126 and a second seam 128 to define a compartment accessiblethrough an open top end 129 but sealable by means of the closure device121. The closure device 121 includes a first fastening strip 130, asecond fastening strip 132, and a slider 134.

[0037] The fastening strips 130, 132 and the slider 134 have alongitudinal X axis 102, a transverse Y axis 104, and a vertical Z axis106. The transverse Y axis 104 is perpendicular to the longitudinal Xaxis 102. The vertical Z axis 106 is perpendicular to the longitudinal Xaxis 102. The vertical Z axis 106 is perpendicular to the transverse Yaxis 104.

[0038] To allow the bag 120 to be opened and closed, the first andsecond fastening strips 130, 132 are provided. The first fastening strip130 is attached to the first side wall 122 near the top end 129 of thebag 120. The second fastening strip 132 is attached to the second sidewall 124 near the top end 129 of the bag 120. The fastening strips 130,132 are located across from and substantially parallel to each other andare adapted to be interlocked between a first end 136 and a second end138 thereof. Interlocking the strips 130, 132 occludes the strips 130,132 and closes the top end 129. Separating the interlocked fasteningstrips 130, 132 deoccludes the strips 130, 132 and opens the top end129.

[0039] The fastening strips 130, 132 are secured together at the firstand the second ends 136, 138 to form a pair of end seals. The fasteningstrips 130, 132 can include a first end portion 140 and a second endportion 142. The end portions 140, 142 can be held together. Forexample, the illustrative end portions 140, 142 are melted together byheat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or other operation. In otherembodiments, the end portions 140, 142 can be held together by using anadhesive, plastic clamps, or by some other means.

[0040] The edge where the first and the second fastening strips 130, 132merge to form the end portion 140 at the first end 136 of the closuredevice 121 serves as a first end stop 144 for the slider 134. Likewise,the edge where the first and the second fastening strips 130, 132 mergeto form the end portion 142 at the second end 138 of the closure device121 serves as a second end stop 146 for the slider 134.

[0041] To facilitate the occlusion and deocclusion of the fasteningstrips 130, 132, the slider 134 is provided. The slider 134 is mountedonto the fastening strips 130, 132 so that the slider 134 is restrainedfrom being removed from the fastening strips 130, 132 in the Z axis 106but free to slide along the X axis 102 between the first and second ends136, 138. The slider 134 engages the fastening strips 130, 132 so thatwhen the slider 134 moves in an occlusion direction 108 toward the firstend 136, the fastening strips 130, 132 interlock. When the slider 134moves in a deocclusion direction 109 toward the second end 138, thefastening strips 130, 132 separate. The occlusion and deocclusiondirections 108, 109 are substantially parallel to the X axis 102. Whenthe slider 134 is at the first end 136, the bag 120 is sealed. When theslider 134 is at the second end 138, the bag 120 is fully open.

[0042]FIG. 2 shows the illustrative pair of U-channel fastening strips130, 132. The first fastening strip 130 includes a first closure element150, and the second fastening strip 132 includes a second closureelement 152. The first closure element 150 engages the second closureelement 152. The first fastening strip 130 may include a flange 154disposed at the upper end of the first fastening strip 130 and a rib 156disposed at the lower end of the first fastening strip 130. The firstfastening strip 130 may also include a flange portion 157. Likewise, thesecond fastening strip 132 may include a flange 158 disposed at theupper end of the second fastening strip 132 and a rib 160 disposed atthe lower end of the second fastening strip 132. The second fasteningstrip 132 may also include a flange portion 161. The first and secondside walls 122, 124 of the plastic bag may be attached to the first andsecond fastening strips 130, 132, respectively, by conventionalmanufacturing techniques.

[0043] The first closure element 150 includes a base portion 162. A pairof spaced-apart, parallely-disposed upper and lower webs 164, 165extends from the base 162. The base 162 and the webs 164, 165 form aU-channel closure element. The upper and lower webs 164, 165 include anupper and a lower hook closure portion 167, 168, respectively, extendingfrom the respective web 164, 165 and facing away from each other. Thehook closure portions 167, 168 include a respective guide surface 170,171, which generally serve to guide the upper and lower hook closureportions 167, 168 for occlusion with an upper and a lower hook closureportion 178, 179 of the second closure element 152, respectively. Theguide surfaces 170, 171 may also have a rounded crown surface.

[0044] The second closure element 152 includes a base portion 173. Apair of spaced-apart, parallely-disposed upper and lower webs 175, 176extend from the base 173. The base 173 and the webs 175, 176 form aU-channel closure element. The upper and lower webs 175, 176 include theupper and the lower hook closure portions 178, 179, respectively,extending from the respective web 175, 176 and facing toward each other.The hook closure portions 178, 179 include a respective guide surface181, 182 which generally serve to guide each hook closure portion 178,179 for occlusion with the upper and the lower hook closure portions167, 168 of the first closure element 150, respectively. The secondclosure element 152 may include a color enhancement member which isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,641.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the slider 134 includes a top portion 190, aseparator 192, a first side wall 194, a second side wall 196, an opening197, and a valve 198. When the slider 134 is moved in the deocclusiondirection, the separator 192 deoccludes the fastening strips 130, 132.The side walls 194, 196 depend from the top portion 190 and are inspaced relation to the separator 192 and to each other. The valve 198 ismovably disposed in the opening 197.

[0046] The separator 192 depends from the top portion 190 and includes afirst side surface 200, a second side surface 202, and a bottom surface204. The opening 197 extends between a top surface 208 of the topportion 190 and the bottom surface 204 of the separator 192.

[0047] The first side wall 194 includes an inner surface 210, an outersurface 212, and a shoulder 214. The inner surface 210 of the first sidewall 194 is generally parallel to the first side surface 200 of theseparator 192 along the Z axis 106. The shoulder 214 depends from thefirst side wall 194 and inwardly extends a predetermined distance towardthe opening 197. Likewise, the second side wall 196 includes an innersurface 216, an outer surface 218, and a shoulder 220. The inner surface216 of the second side wall 196 is generally parallel to the second sidesurface 202 of the separator 192 along the Z axis 106. The shoulder 220depends from the second side wall 196 and inwardly extends apredetermined distance toward the opening 197.

[0048] A first passage 222 is bounded by: the first side surface 200;the top portion 190 of the separator 192; the inner surface 210; and theshoulder 214 of the first side wall 194. The first passage 222 includesan opening 223 that extends the length of the passage 222 along the Xaxis 102. The first fastening strip 130 extends through the firstpassage 222 along the X axis 102. The flange portion 157 of the firstfastening strip 130 extends through the opening 223 of the first passage222 along the Z axis 106. The rib 156 of the first fastening strip 130and the shoulder 214 of the slider 134 are in retentively lockingrelation to provide a mechanical connection between the bag 120 and theslider 134 that prevents the slider 134 from moving relative to the bag120 upward in the Z axis 106.

[0049] The height of the first passage 222, measured along the Z axis106, can be configured such that it closely conforms to the height ofthe first fastening strip 130, also measured along the Z axis 106. Inother embodiments, the height of the first passage 222 can be less thanthe height of the first fastening strip 130 such that the rib 156 andthe flange 154 of the first fastening strip 130 are in contactingrelation with the slider 134 to provide a seal, while still allowing theslider 134 to move relative to the fastening strips 130, 132 along the Xaxis 102.

[0050] Similarly, a second passage 224 is bounded by: the second sidesurface 202; the top portion 190 of the separator 192; the inner surface216; and the shoulder 220 of the second side wall 196. The secondpassage 224 includes an opening 225 that extends the length of thepassage 224 along the X axis 102. The second fastening strip 132 extendsthrough the second passage 224 along the X axis 102. The flange portion161 of the second fastening strip 132 extends through the opening 225 ofthe second passage 224 along the Z axis 106. The rib 160 of the secondfastening strip 132 and the shoulder 220 are in retentively lockingrelation to provide a mechanical connection between the bag 120 and theslider 134 that prevents the slider 134 from moving relative to the bag120 upward in the Z axis 106.

[0051] The height of the second passage 224, measured along he Z axis106, can be configured such that it closely conforms to the height ofthe second fastening strip 132, also measured along the Z axis 106. Inother embodiments, the height of the second passage 224 can be less thanthe height of the second fastening strip 132 such that the rib 160 andthe flange 158 of the second fastening strip 132 are in contactingrelation with the slider 134 to provide a seal, while still allowing theslider 134 to move relative to the fastening strips 130, 132 along the Xaxis 102.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, the first and the second side surfaces 200,202 of the separator 192 are mirror images of each other about the Xaxis 102 and converge to meet at a first edge 226 and a second edge 228.The separator 192 includes a body portion 230, a wedge portion 232, anda tapered plug portion 234. The body 230 is disposed along the X axis102 between the wedge 232 and the tapered plug 234. The first and secondside surfaces 200, 202 are curved outward at the intermediate body 230and are disposed a maximum distance 235 away from each other along the Yaxis 104 at the body 230. The body 230 is generally circular and isconfigured to accommodate the opening 197. The wedge 232 extends fromthe body 230 in the deocclusion direction 109. The wedge 232 isgenerally V-shaped and terminates at the second edge 228. The taperedplug 234 extends from the body 230 in the occlusion direction 108. Thetapered plug is generally V-shaped and terminates at the first edge 226.

[0053] The first side wall 194 of the slider 134 has a first end 240 anda second end 242. The second side wall 196 of the slider 134 also has afirst end 244 and a second end 246. The first ends 240, 244 of the sidewalls 194, 196 oppose each other and can be disposed along the X axis102 between the first edge 226 and the opening 197 of the separator 192.The second ends 242, 246 of the side walls 194, 196 oppose each otherand can be disposed along the X axis 102 a predetermined distance fromthe second edge 228 of the separator 192 in the deocclusion direction109.

[0054] The first passage 222 extends along the X axis 102 between thefirst end 240 of the first side wall 194 and the second edge 228 of theseparator 192. The second passage 224 extends between the first end 244of the second side wall 196 and the second edge 228 of the separator192. At the second edge 228 of the separator 192, the first passage 222and the second passage 224 converge to provide an occlusion passage 248.The first fastening strip 130 extends along the X axis 102 through thefirst passage 222 and the occlusion passage 248. The second fasteningstrip 132 extends along the X axis 102 through the second passage 224and the occlusion passage 248.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, the occlusion passage 248 is formed by theinner surface 210 of the first side wall 194, the inner surface 216 ofthe second side wall 196, and the top portion 190 of the slider 134. Theinner surfaces 210, 216 of the side walls 194, 196 define a width 249 ofthe occlusion passage 248. The occlusion passage 248, is configured toocclude the fastening strips 130, 132 as the slider 134 is moved in theocclusion direction. The width 249 of the occlusion passage 248,measured along the Y axis 104, is configured such that when the stripsare occluded, the occlusion passage 248 accommodates the fasteningstrips 130, 132 to allow the fastening strips to pass through theocclusion passage 248, and when the strips are deoccluded, the occlusionpassage 248 interferingly engages the fastening strips 130, 132 tointerlock the fastening strips 130, 132. As the slider 134 moves in theocclusion direction, the occlusion passage 248 interferingly engages thefastening strips 130, 132 to occlude the fastening strips 130, 132.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, with respect to a point along the X axis 102of the fastening strips 130, 132, when the slider moves in thedeocclusion direction 109, the occlusion passage 248 accommodates theoccluded fastening strips 130, 132. As the fastening strips 130, 132pass the second edge 228 of the separator 192, the separator 192 dividesthe fastening strips 130, 132. The first and the second fastening strips130, 132 enter the first and the second passages 222, 224, respectively.As the fastening strips 130, 132 pass the first ends 240, 244 of theside walls 194, 196, respectively, the fastening strips 130, 132 exitthe slider 134 and remain deoccluded.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the slider 134 can include a noseportion 250 for latching the slider 134 in a “parked” or a latchedposition. The nose portion 250 extends from the top portion 190 in theocclusion direction 108 beyond the first edge 226 of the separator 192.A catch 252 depends from the nose portion 250. The nose portion 250 alsoincludes a notch 254.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, the slider 134 is positioned near the firstend 136 of the closure device 121. The catch 252 is configured to extendjust below a top edge 256 of the closure device 121. When the catch 252of the slider 134 is between the ends 136, 138 of the closure device121, the catch 252 can move freely along the X axis 102 withoutcontacting the fastening strips 130, 132 as shown in FIG. 4.Specifically, the catch 252 is disposed between the deoccluded fasteningstrips 130, 132 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 7, the catch 252 interferes with the first end136 of the closure device 121 as the slider 134 moves in the occlusiondirection 108 toward the first end 136 of the closure device 121. Uponfurther movement of the slider 134 in the occlusion direction 108, thenotch 254 permits the nose portion 250 to bend. The nose portion 250 isconfigured to be sufficiently flexible such that the catch 252 can moveabove the top edge 256 of the closure device 121 in the Z axis 106 toallow the catch 252 to move past the first end 136 in the X axis 102.

[0060]FIG. 8 shows the nose portion 250 after it has been moved in theocclusion direction 108 beyond the first end 136 of the closure device121. The catch 252 extends below the top edge 256 of the closure device121. The slider 134 remains in the latched position until a releaseforce sufficient to allow the nose portion 250 to move past the firstend 136 is applied to the slider 134 in the deocclusion direction 109.Because the slider 134 will not move unless a release force sufficientto deflect the nose portion 250 is applied, the slider 134 will notinadvertently deocclude the fastening strips 130, 132.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 9, the slider 134 is in a latched position. Thefirst edge 226 of the separator 192 abuts the first end stop 144 formedat the first end 136 of the closure device 121. The tapered plug 234 ofthe separator 192 is in contacting relation with the first and secondfastening strips 130, 132 to provide a seal. The flexible fasteningstrips 130, 132 follow the divergent sides of the tapered plug 234 andwrap around the body 230 of the separator 192, conforming to the shapeof the separator 192. The side walls 194, 196 of the slider 134 urge thefastening strips 130, 132 to follow the shape of the wedge 232 of theseparator 192. The fastening strips 130, 132 converge from the body 230to the second edge 228 of the separator 192 where they meet to occludein the occlusion passage 248.

[0062] In the latched position, the slider 134 is in operativeengagement with the fastening strips 130, 132 to provide a seal thatfully closes the bag 120. The nose portion 250 and catch 252 extendbeyond the first end 136 of the closure device 121 and cause the slider134 to be retained in a latched position, further ensuring that the sealbetween the fastening strips 130, 132 and the separator 192 ismaintained.

[0063]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the operation of the valve 198. Turningto FIG. 10, the valve 198 includes a stem 270, a head 272, and a flangeportion 274. The stem 270 can be generally cylindrical in shape andconfigured to move in the vertical Z axis 106 within the opening 197.The head 272 is disposed at the lower end of the stem 270 and isgenerally disk-shaped. The size of the head 272 is configured to begreater than the size of the opening 197 such that the head 272 cannotmove through the opening 197. A perimeter 275 of the head 272 of thevalve 198 is configured to be spaced apart a predetermined distance fromthe shoulders 214, 220 of the side walls 194, 196. A mating surface 276of the valve 198 is configured to mate with the bottom surface 204 ofthe separator 192. Though this embodiment illustrates a flat matingsurface 276, other embodiments may include a mating surface that isbeveled or ridged.

[0064] The flange portion 274 of the valve 198 is disposed at the upperend of the stem 270. The flange portion 274 includes a resilientlyflexible skirt 278 perforated with a plurality of vent holes 280. Whenthe skirt 278 is in a normal position, the skirt 278 extends at adownward angle from the flange portion 274. The skirt 278 biases thevalve 198 to a closed position wherein the mating surface 276 of thehead 272 is urged against the bottom surface 204 of the separator 192 toprovide a seal. The valve 198 can be disposed within the opening 197 byinserting the valve 198 into the bottom of the opening 197. As the valve198 is inserted, the skirt 278 collapses to fit with the opening 197.The valve 198 is inserted until the skirt 278 extends past the top ofthe opening 197 and the skirt 278 is able to open from its collapsedposition. The valve 198 then assumes the position shown in FIG. 10.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 11, the valve 198 can be opened by applying arelease force in a release direction 282 along the vertical Z axis 106upon the valve 198. The force is sufficient to overcome the biasingforce provided by the skirt 278. Upon application of such a downwardforce, the skirt 278 can move to a flexed position which allows the head272 of the valve 198 to move away from the bottom surface 204 of theseparator 192, as shown in FIG. 11. With the head 272 of the valve 198disengaged from the bottom surface 204 of the separator 192, matter isfree to flow past the head 272, through the opening 197 and out the ventholes 280 of the skirt 278. Matter can also flow in the oppositedirection. Once the release force is removed, the skirt 278 biases thevalve 198 to the closed position, moving the head 272 of the valve 198toward the bottom surface 204 of the separator 192 until the matingsurface 276 of the head 272 engages the bottom surface 204. In otherembodiments, other types of valves, such as, needle valves, ball valves,duckbill valves or other mechanical valves may be used.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, another embodiment of a nose portionfor latching the slider in a latched position is shown. As shown in FIG.12, A container 310 is in the form of a plastic bag 320 having a closuredevice 321. The bag 320 includes a first side wall 322 and a second sidewall 324 joined at a pair of seams. The closure device 321 includes afirst fastening strip 330, a second fastening strip 332, and a slider334. The slider 334 is mounted onto the fastening strips 330, 332 sothat the slider 334 is restrained from being removed from the fasteningstrips 330, 332 in the Z axis 106 but free to slide along the X axis102. The slider 334 includes a top portion 390, a separator 392, a pairof side walls 394, 396, an opening, and a valve 398. The separator 392depends from the top portion 390. The side walls 394, 396 also dependfrom the top portion 390 and generally are in spaced relation to theseparator 392 and to each other. The valve 398 is movably disposed inthe opening.

[0067] The slider 334 includes a nose portion 450 for latching theslider 334 in a latched position. The nose portion 450 extends from thetop portion 390 in an occlusion direction 108 along the X axis 102beyond a first edge 426 of the separator 392. A catch 452 depends fromthe nose portion 450. The nose portion 450 is configured to be rigidrelative to a first end 336 of the closure device 321.

[0068] In FIG. 12, the slider 334 is positioned near the first end 336of the closure device 321. The catch 452 is configure to extend justbelow an upper edge 456 of the closure device 321. When the catch 452 ofthe slider 334 is between the ends 336, 338 of the closure device 321,the catch 452 can move freely along the X axis without contacting thefastening strips 330, 332, the catch 452 being disposed between thedeoccluded fastening strips 330, 332. As the slider 334 is moved alongthe length of the closure device 321, the catch 452 slides freelybetween the fastening strips 330, 332.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 13, the catch 452 interferes with the first end336 of the closure device 321 as the slider 334 moves in the occlusiondirection 108. Continued movement of the slider 334 in the occlusiondirection 108 causes the first end 336 of the closure device 321 todeflect. The first end 336 is configured to be sufficiently flexiblesuch that the first end 336 deflects downward in the Z axis 106 to allowthe catch 452 to move past the first end 336. The first end 336 of theclosure device can be made flexible by using a flexible material in itsconstruction, cutting a small slit in the top of the seam, or othermeans.

[0070]FIG. 14 shows the nose portion 450 after it has moved in theocclusion direction 108 beyond the first end 336 of the closure device321. The slider 334 remains in the latched position until a releaseforce sufficient to allow the nose portion 450 to move past the firstend 336 is applied to the slider 334 in the deocclusion direction 109.Because the slider 334 will not move unless a release force sufficientto deflect the first end 336 is applied, the slider 334 will notinadvertently deocclude the fastening strips 330, 332. The slider 334 issimilar in other respects to the slider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 andherein described.

[0071] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, FIG. 15 showsan embodiment of a separator with side surfaces which engage respectiveclosure elements to provide a seal between the closure elements and theseparator. In addition, the side surfaces of the separator may providesupport in the Z axis 106 for the fastening strips. A container 510 isin the form of a plastic bag 520 having a sealable closure device 521.The bag 520 includes a first side wall 522 and a second side wall 524.The closure device includes a first fastening strip 530, a secondfastening strip 532, and a slider 534. The first fastening strip 530includes a first closure element 550 and the second fastening strip 532includes a second closure element 552. The first closure element 550 canengage the second closure element 552 to occlude the fastening strips530, 532.

[0072] The slider 534 includes a top portion 590, a separator 592, afirst side wall 594, a second side wall 596, an opening 597, and a valve598. The separator 592 depends from the top portion 590 and divides thefastening strips 530, 532. The separator includes a first side surface600, a second side surface 602, and a bottom surface 604. The side walls594, 596 also depend from the top portion and are in spaced relation tothe side surfaces 600, 602 of the separator 592 and to each other. Thevalve 598 is movably disposed within the opening 597.

[0073] The top portion 590, the separator 592, and the first side wall594 create a first passage 622. The top portion 590, the separator 592,and the second side wall 596 create a second passage 624. The first andsecond passages 622, 624 are configured to sealingly engage the firstand second fastening strips 530, 532, respectively. More specifically,the first and second side surfaces 600, 602 of the separator 592 conformto the first and the second closure elements 550, 552, respectively, toprovide a seal. In addition, the passages 622, 624 may provide supportfor the fastening strips 530, 532.

[0074] A first side surface 600 of the separator 592 has a profile thatincludes an upper rib 625 and a lower rib 627 that form a channel 629.The upper and lower ribs 625, 627 extend substantially the entire lengthof the separator 592, measured along the X axis 102. A second sidesurface 602 of the separator 592 has a profile that includes a key 631.The slider 534 is similar in other respects to the slider 134 as shownin FIGS. 1-11 and herein described.

[0075] The first fastening strip 530 extends through the first passage622 and the second fastening strip 532 extends through the secondpassage 624. The first and the second fastening strips 530, 532 shown inFIG. 15 are similar to the first and the second fastening strips 130,132, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and herein described. Thefirst fastening strip 530 includes a pair of parallely disposed upperand lower webs 564, 565, respectively. The upper and lower webs 564, 565form the U-channel closure element 550. The closure element 550 isdisposed within the channel 629 of the slider 534. A hook closureportion 567 of the upper web 564 is in contact with the upper rib 625.Likewise, a hook closure portion 568 of the lower web 565 is in contactwith the lower rib 627. The contacting relationship between the upperand lower webs 164, 165 of the first fastening strip 530 and the upperand lower ribs 625, 627 of the slider 534, respectively, serve toprovide an additional seal.

[0076] The second fastening strip 532 includes a pair of parallelydisposed upper and lower webs 575, 576, respectively. The upper andlower webs 575, 576 form the U-channel closure element 552. A hookclosure portion 578 of the upper web 575 is in contact with the key 631.Likewise, a hook closure portion 579 of the lower web 576 is also incontact with the key 631. The contacting relationship between the webs575, 576 and the key 631 serve to provide an additional seal.

[0077] In keeping with a general aspect of the present invention and aswill be described in greater detail below, the interlocking fasteningstrips may be of a different type or form, as shown in FIGS. 16-18.

[0078] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, FIG.16 shows another embodiment which shows another type of fasteningstrips. A container 710 is in the form of a plastic bag 720 having asealable closure device 721. The bag 720 includes a first side wall 722and a second side wall 724. The closure device 721 includes a firstfastening strip 730, a second fastening strip 732, and a slider 734.

[0079] The fastening strips 730, 732 are “arrowhead-type” or “rib andgroove” fastening strips as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998. A ribelement 805 interlocks with a groove element 807. The rib element 805 isof generally arrow-shape in transverse cross section including a head810 comprising interlock shoulder hook portions 811 and 812 generallyconvergently related to provide a cam ridge 813 generally aligned with astem flange 814 by which the head is connected in spaced relation withrespect to a supporting flange portion 808. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998,Col. 2, lines 16-23). At their surfaces nearest the connecting stemflange 814, the shoulder portions 811 and 812 define reentrant anglestherewith providing interlock hooks engageable with interlock hookflanges 815 and 817, respectively, of the groove element 807. (U.S. Pat.No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 23-28). Said hook flanges generallyconverge toward one another and are spread open to receive the head 810therebetween when said head is pressed into said groove element 807until the head is fully received in a groove 818 of said groove element807 generally complementary to the head and within which the head isinterlocked by interengagement of the head shoulder hook portions 811and 812 and the groove hook flanges 815 and 817. (U.S. Pat. No.3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 28-36). Through this arrangement, as indicated,the head and groove elements 805 and 807 are adapted to beinterlockingly engaged by being pressed together and to be separatedwhen forcibly pulled apart, as by means of the slider 734. (U.S. Pat.No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 36-41).

[0080] The slider 734 includes a top portion 790 adapted to run alongfree edges 821 on the upper ends of the sections of the flange portions808 and 809 as shown in the drawing. Integrally formed with the topportion 790 and depending therefrom are coextensive side walls 794, 796.The side walls 794, 796 are each provided with an inwardly projectingshoulder 814, 820 adapted to engage respective shoulder ribs 825 and 827on respectively outer sides of the lower section of the flange portions808 and 809.

[0081] The slider 734 has a separator 792 that depends from the topportion 790 and is disposed between the side walls 794, 796. Theseparator 792 has a first side surface 800 and a second side surface802. The side surfaces 800, 802 engage the first and second fasteningstrips 730, 732 to provide a seal between the slider 734 and the firstand second fastening strips 730, 732.

[0082] Specifically, the first side surface 800 of the separator 792 hasa profile that includes a recess 829 configured to receive the grooveelement 807 of the first fastening strip 730. The side surface 800engages the groove element 807 to provide a seal between the grooveelement 807 and the separator 792. The recess 829 conforms generally tothe shape of the groove element 807 of the fastening strip 730. Inaddition, the side surface 800 may provide support for the fasteningstrips 730, 732.

[0083] The second side surface 802 of the separator 792 has a profilethat includes a groove 833 configured to receive the rib element 805 ofthe second fastening strip 732 and to provide a seal between the slider734 and the second fastening strip 732. The groove 833 conformsgenerally to the shape of the rib element 805. The side surface 802engages the rib element 805 to provide a seal between the rib element805 and the separator 792. In addition, the side surface 802 may providesupport for the fastening strip. The slider 734 is similar in otherrespects to the slider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and herein described.

[0084]FIG. 17 shows another embodiment which shows another type offastening strips. A container 910 is in the form of a plastic bag 920having a sealable closure device 921. The bag 920 includes a first sidewall 922 and a second side wall 924. The closure device 921 includes afirst fastening strip 930, a second fastening strip 932, and a slider934.

[0085] The fastening strips 930, 932 are “profile” fastening strips asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299. A first profile 1016 has at leastan uppermost closure element 1016 a and a bottommost closure element1016 b. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 25-27). The closureelements 1016 a and 1016 b project laterally from the inner surface ofstrip 1014. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 27-28). Likewise,the second profile 1017 has at least an uppermost closure element 1017 aand a bottommost closure element 1017 b. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col.3, lines 28-30). The closure elements 1017 a and 1017 b projectlaterally from the inner surface of strip 1015. (U.S. Pat. No.5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 30-32). When the 920 bag is closed, the closureelements of profile 1016 interlock with the corresponding closureelements of profile 1017. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines32-34). As shown in FIG. 17, closure elements 1016 a, 1016 b, 1017 a,1017 b have hooks on the ends of the closure elements, so that theprofiles remain interlocked when the bag is closed, thereby forming aseal. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 34-37).

[0086] The straddling slider 934 has side walls 994, 996 depending froma top portion 990. A separator 992 depends from the top portion 990between the side walls 994, 996 and is located between the uppermostclosure elements 1016 a and 1017 a of profiles 1016 and 1017. Thefastening assembly includes ridges 1025 on the outer surfaces of thefastening strips 930 and 932, and shoulders 1014, 1020 on the side wallsof the slider. The shoulders act as means for maintaining the slider instraddling relation with the fastening strips by grasping the lowersurfaces of the ridges 1025.

[0087] Fastening strip passages 1022, 1024 are configured to sealinglyengage the fastening strips 930, 932, respectively. In addition, thepassages 1022, 1024 may provide support for the fastening strips 930,932. More specifically, first and second side surfaces 1000, 1002 of theseparator 992 conform to the first and the second closure elements 1016,1017, respectively, to provide a seal. In addition, the side surfaces1000, 1002 may provide support for the fastening strips.

[0088] The first side surface 1000 of the separator 992 has a profilethat includes a groove 1029 configured to receive the first profile 1016and to provide a seal between the slider 934 and the first fasteningstrip 930. A second side surface 1002 of the separator 992 has a profilethat includes a groove 1033 configured to receive the second profile1017 and to provide a seal between the slider 934 and the secondfastening strip 932. The slider 934 is similar in other respects to theslider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and herein discussed.

[0089]FIG. 18 shows another embodiment which shows another type offastening strips. A container 1110 is in the form of a plastic bag 1120having a sealable closure device 1121. The bag 1120 includes a firstside wall 1122 and a second side wall 1124. The closure device 1121includes a first fastening strip 1130, a second fastening strip 1132,and a slider 1134.

[0090] The first and the second fastening strips 1130, 1132 are “rollingaction” fastening strips as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143. Thesecond and the first strips 1132 and 1130 respectively include profiledtracks 1218 and 1219 extending along the length thereof parallel to therib and groove elements 1216 and 1217, and the rib and groove elements1216, 1217 have complimentary cross-sectional shapes such that they areclosed by pressing the bottom of the elements together first and thenrolling the elements to a closed position toward the top thereof. (U.S.Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 4, line 62 to Col. 5, line 1). The rib element1216 is hook shaped and projects from the inner face of the secondfastening strip 1132. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 1-3). Thegroove element 1217 includes a lower hook-shaped projection 1217 a and arelatively straight projection 1217 b which extend from the inner faceof the first fastening strip 1130. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5,lines 3-6). The profiled tracks 1218 and 1219 are inclined inwardlytoward each other from their respective strips 1232 and 1230. (U.S. Pat.No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 6-8).

[0091] The straddling slider 1134 comprises a top portion 1190 formoving along the top edges of the tracks 1218 and 1219 with side walls1194 and 1196 depending therefrom for cooperating with the tracks andextending from an opening end of the slider to a closing end. Aseparator 1192 depends from the top portion 1190 between the side walls1194 and 1196 and is inserted between the inclined tracks 1218 and 1219.The slider 1134 has shoulders 1214, 1220 projecting inwardly from thedepending side walls 1192, 1194, respectively, which are shapedthroughout the length thereof for cooperation with the dependingseparator 1192 in creating the rolling action in opening and closing thereclosable interlocking rib and groove profile elements 1216 and 1217.

[0092] First and second fastening strip passages 1222, 1224 areconfigured to sealingly engage the first and second fastening strips1130, 1132, respectively. In addition, the passages 1222, 1224 mayprovide support for the fastening strips 1130, 1132. More specifically,first and second side surfaces 1200, 1202 of the separator 1192 conformto the groove and the rib closure elements 1217, 1216, respectively, toprovide a seal. In addition, the side surfaces 1200, 1202 may providesupport for the fastening strips.

[0093] The first side surface 1200 of the separator 1192 is profiled toconform generally to the groove element 1217. The first side surface1200 has a profile that includes a key 1225 configured to provide a sealbetween the slider 1134 and the first fastening strip 1130. The secondside surface 1202 is profiled to conform generally to the rib element1216. The second side surface 1202 has a profile that includes a taperedkey 1231 configured to provide a seal between the slider 1134 and thesecond fastening strip 1132. The slider 1134 is similar in otherrespects to the slider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and herein described.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 19, an embodiment of a slider with a taperedseparator is shown. A container 1310 is in the form of a plastic bag1320 having a sealable closure device 1321. The bag 1320 includes afirst side wall 1322 and a second side wall 1324. The closure device1321 includes a first fastening strip 1330, a second fastening strip1332, and a slider 1334.

[0095] The slider 1334 includes a separator 1392. The separator 1392 maybe tapered. The tapered separator 1392 can facilitate assembly wheninserting the separator between the fastening strips 1330, 1332. Theseparator 1392 includes a first side surface 1400 and a second sidesurface 1402. The side surfaces 1400, 1402 extend substantially theentire length of the separator 1392, measured along the X axis 102. Thefirst side surface 1400 includes a substantially vertical portion 1401and a tapered portion 1403. The second side surface 1402 includes asubstantially vertical portion 1405 and a tapered portion 1407. Thevertical portions 1401, 1405 are substantially parallel to each otheralong the Z axis 106. The tapered portions 1403, 1407 depend from thevertical portions 1401, 1405, respectively, and terminate apredetermined distance below a pair of shoulders 1414, 1420. The taperedportions 1403, 1407 converge toward each other, moving downward alongthe Z axis 106. The tapered portions 1403, 1407 are separated a minimumdistance 1409 from each other at edges 1411, 1413 where the taperedportions 1403, 1407 respectively meet a bottom surface 1404 of theseparator 1392. The slider 1334 is similar in other respects to theslider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and herein described.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 20, an embodiment of a slider with a taperedseparator and tapered side walls is shown. A container 1510 is in theform of a plastic bag 1520 having a sealable closure device 1521. Thebag 1520 includes a first side wall 1522 and a second side wall 1524.The closure device 1521 includes a first fastening strip 1530, a secondfastening strip 1532, and a slider 1534. The slider 1134 includes aseparator 1592 that is tapered and similar in other respects to theseparator 1392 as shown in FIG. 18 and herein described.

[0097] Side walls 1594, 1596 of the slider 1134 extend along the Z axis106 a predetermined distance below the fastening strips 1530, 1532. Thesidewalls 1594, 1596 each include a respective tapered portion 1595,1597. The tapered portions 1595, 1597 are generally parallel to taperedportions 1603, 1607 of the separator 1592, respectively. The taperedportions 1595, 1597 of the side walls 1594, 1594 terminate at bottomsurfaces 1599, 1601 that are substantially planar with a bottom surface1604 of the separator 1592. The slider 1534 is similar in other respectsto the slider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and herein described.

[0098] The slider may be made from one piece or multiple parts. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 21-24, an embodiment of a slider 1734 isshown. The slider 1734 includes a cap 1731, a base 1733, and a valve1798. The cap 1731 includes a depending separator 1792. The base 1733includes a pair of shoulders 1815, 1821. The cap 1731 and the base 1733can be assembled by any known method, such as, snap-fitting,press-fitting, fusing, or welding, for example. The valve 1798 can beassembled to the cap 1731 by inserting the valve 1798 into the bottom ofthe opening as noted above.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 22, a top portion 1791 of the cap 1731 includesa perimeter 1737. A top portion 1789 of the base 1733 includes an inneredge 1741. The shape of the perimeter 1737 of the cap 1731 closelyconforms to the shape of the inner edge 1741 of the base 1733. Onceassembled the cap 1731 and the base 1733 create an occlusion passage1848.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 24, the assembled slider 1734 presents a flushtop surface 1808. The shoulders 1815, 1821 can provide support for thecap 1731. Side surfaces 1743, 1745 of the top portion 1791 of the cap1731 are in respective contacting relation with side walls 1795, 1797 ofthe base 1733 to provide a connection as noted above between the cap1731 and the base 1733. Once assembled, the cap 1731 and the base 1733create a first passage 1822 and a second passage 1824.

[0101] The cap 1731 and the base 1733 may be made from differentmaterials. For example, the cap 1731 can be made of a material that issoft relative to the base 1733, such as, neoprene rubber or siliconerubber and the base 1733 can be made of a material that is hard relativeto the cap 1731, such as, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, acetyl,toughened acetyl, polyketone, polybutylene terrephthalate, high densitypolyethylene, polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). Bymaking the cap 1731 and the base 1733 out of material with differentdegrees of hardness, assembly is facilitated. The slider 1734 is similarin other respects to the slider 134 as shown in FIGS. 1-11 and hereindescribed.

[0102] Although several combinations of interlocking fastening stripembodiments and slider embodiments have been specifically described andillustrated herein, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled inthe art that other kinds, types, or forms of fastening strips and/orsliders can alternatively be used without departing from the scope orspirit of the present invention.

[0103] The interlocking fastening strips may be manufactured byextrusion through a die. The interlocking fastening strips may be formedfrom any suitable thermoplastic material including, for example,polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or the like, or from a combinationthereof. Thus, resins or mixtures of resins such as high densitypolyethylene, medium density polyethylene, and low density polyethylenemay be employed to prepare the interlocking fastening strips.

[0104] When the fastening strips are used in a sealable bag, thefastening strips and the films that form the body of the bag may beconveniently manufactured from heat sealable material. In this way, thebag may be economically formed by using an aforementioned thermoplasticmaterial and by heat sealing the fastening strips to the bag. Forexample, the bag may be made from a mixture of high pressure, lowdensity polyethylene and linear, low density polyethylene.

[0105] The fastening strips may be manufactured by extrusion or otherknown methods. For example, the closure device may be manufactured asindividual fastening strips for later attachment to the bag or may bemanufactured integrally with the bag. In addition, the fastening stripsmay be manufactured with or without flange portions on one or both ofthe fastening strips depending upon the intended use of the fasteningstrips or expected additional manufacturing operations.

[0106] Generally, the fastening strips can be manufactured in a varietyof forms to suit the intended use. The fastening strips may beintegrally formed on the opposing side walls of the container or bag orconnected to the container by the use of any of many known methods. Forexample, a thermoelectric device may be applied to a film in contactwith the flange portion of the fastening strips or the thermoelectricdevice may be applied to a film in contact with the base portion offastening strips having no flange portion to cause a transfer of heatthrough the film to produce melting at the interface of the film and aflange portion or base portion of the fastening strips. Suitablethermoelectric devices include heated rotary discs, traveling heaterbands, resistance-heated slide wires, and the like. The connectionbetween the film and the fastening strips may also be established by theuse of hot melt adhesives, hot jets of air to the interface, ultrasonicheating, or other known methods. The bonding of the fastening strips tothe film stock may be carried out either before or after the film isU-folded to form the bag. In any event, such bonding may be done priorto side sealing the bag at the edges by conventional thermal cutting. Inaddition, the first and second fastening strips may be positioned onopposite sides of the film. Such an embodiment would be suited forwrapping an object or a collection of objects such as wires. The firstand second fastening strips should usually be positioned on the film ina generally parallel relationship with respect to each other, althoughthis will depend on the intended use.

[0107] In addition, the slider can be colored, opaque, translucent ortransparent. The slider may be injection molded or made by any othermethod. The slider may be molded from any suitable plastic material,such as, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, acetyl, toughened acetyl,polyketone, polybutylene terrephthalate, high density polyethylene,polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

[0108] The valve may be made of a single piece or of multiple parts thatare snapped, fused, or welded together. The valve can be colored,opaque, translucent or transparent. The valve may be injection molded ormade by any other method. The valve may be molded from any suitablematerial, such as, neoprene rubber or silicone rubber.

[0109] From the foregoing it will be understood that modifications andvariations may be effectuated to the disclosed structures—particularlyin light of the foregoing teachings—without departing from the scope orspirit of the present invention. As such, no limitation with respect tothe specific embodiments described and illustrated herein is intended orshould be inferred. All of the references cited herein, includingpatents, patent applications, and publications, are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slider comprising: a top portion; a first sidewall depending from the top portion; a second side wall depending fromthe top portion; and a separator depending from the top portion anddisposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, theseparator including a first side surface and a second side surface, thesurfaces form a tapered plug for providing a seal between the slider anda pair of fastening strips.
 2. The invention according to claim 1wherein the first side surface and the second side surface form a wedgefor deoccluding the fastening strips.
 3. The invention according toclaim 1 wherein the first side surface of the separator includes anupper rib and a lower rib, the upper and the lower ribs form a channel.4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein the second side surface ofthe separator includes a profile.
 5. The invention according to claim 4wherein the profile is selected from the group consisting of a key, achannel, a groove, and a recess.
 6. The invention according to claim 1wherein the first side surface and the second side surface of theseparator each includes a tapered portion.
 7. The invention according toclaim 1 wherein the first side wall and the second side wall eachincludes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a shoulder.
 8. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein the first side wall and thesecond side wall each includes a tapered portion.
 9. The inventionaccording to claim 6 wherein the first side wall and the second sidewall each includes a tapered portion.
 10. The invention according toclaim 9 wherein the tapered portion of the first side wall issubstantially parallel to the tapered portion of the first side surfaceof the separator, and the tapered portion of the second side wall issubstantially parallel to the tapered portion of the second side surfaceof the separator.
 11. The invention according to claim 1 wherein the topportion, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the separatorform a first passage, a second passage, and an occlusion passage, thefirst passage and the second passage both communicating with theocclusion passage.
 12. The invention according to claim 1 wherein theslider comprises a multiple-piece construction.
 13. The inventionaccording to claim 12 wherein the slider comprises a cap and a base. 14.The invention according to claim 13 wherein the cap and the base areassembled by snap-fitting.
 15. The invention according to claim 13wherein the cap and the base comprise different materials.
 16. A slidercomprising: a top portion; a first side wall depending from the topportion; a second side wall depending from the top portion; a separatordepending from the top portion and disposed between the first side walland the second side wall; and a nose portion for latching the slider.17. The invention according to claim 16 wherein the slider has alongitudinal X axis and a transverse Y axis, the transverse Y axis beingperpendicular to the longitudinal X axis, the slider has a vertical Zaxis, the vertical Z axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal Xaxis, the vertical Z axis being perpendicular to the transverse Y axis,and the nose portion extends from the top portion along the X axis apredetermined distance beyond a first edge of the separator.
 18. Theinvention according to claim 16 wherein the nose portion includes acatch.
 19. The invention according to claim 16 wherein the nose portionincludes a notch.
 20. The invention according to claim 16 wherein theseparator includes a first side surface and a second side surface, thesurfaces form a wedge for deoccluding a pair of fastening strips and atapered plug for providing a seal between the slider and the fasteningstrips.
 21. A slider comprising: a top portion; a first side walldepending from the top portion; a second side wall depending from thetop portion; a separator depending from the top portion and disposedbetween the first side wall and the second side wall; and a valve. 22.The invention according to claim 21 wherein the slider further comprisesan opening, the valve being movably disposed in the opening.
 23. Theinvention according to claim 21 wherein the opening extends through thetop portion and the separator.
 24. The invention according to claim 21wherein the valve includes a mating surface, the mating surface beingconfigured to mate with a surface of the separator to provide a sealwhen the valve is in a closed position.
 25. The invention according toclaim 21 wherein the valve includes means for biasing the valve to aclosed position wherein the valve and the separator cooperate to providea seal.
 26. The invention according to claim 21 wherein the valveincludes a stem, a head, and a flange portion.
 27. The inventionaccording to claim 26 wherein the head of the valve includes a matingsurface, the mating surface being configured to mate with a surface ofthe separator to provide a seal when the valve is in a closed position.28. The invention according to claim 27 wherein the valve includes meansfor biasing the valve to the closed position.
 29. The inventionaccording to claim 27 wherein the flange portion of the valve includes aresiliently flexible skirt, the skirt biasing the valve to the closedposition.
 30. The invention according to claim 29 wherein the skirtincludes a plurality of holes.
 31. The invention according to claim 21wherein the separator includes a first side surface and a second sidesurface, and the surfaces form a wedge for deoccluding a pair offastening strips and a tapered plug for providing a seal between theslider and the fastening strips.
 32. The invention according to claim 21further comprising a nose portion for latching the slider.
 33. Theinvention according to claim 31 further comprising a nose portion forlatching the slider.
 34. A slider comprising: a top portion; a firstside wall depending from the top portion; a second side wall dependingfrom the top portion; and a separator depending from the top portion anddisposed between the first side wall and the second side wall; whereinthe top portion, the first side wall, the second side wall, and theseparator form a first passage, a second passage, and an occlusionpassage, the first passage and the second passage both communicatingwith the occlusion passage.
 35. A slider comprising: a top portion; afirst side wall depending from the top portion; a second side walldepending from the top portion; and a separator depending from the topportion and disposed between the first side wall and the second sidewall, the separator including a first side surface and a second sidesurface, the first side surface conforming to a first fastening strip toprovide a seal between the slider and the first fastening strip, and thesecond side surface conforming to a second fastening strip to provide aseal between the slider and the second fastening strip.
 36. Theinvention according to claim 35 wherein the first side surface of theseparator contacts a first closure element of the first fastening stripto provide the seal between the slider and the first fastening strip,and the second side surface of the separator contacts a second closureelement of the second fastening strip to provide the seal between theslider and the second fastening strip.
 37. A closure device comprising:a first fastening strip; a second fastening strip, the first fasteningstrip and the second fastening strip being adapted to interlock witheach other over a predetermined length between first and second endsthereof and are secured together at the first end and the second end;and a slider, the slider being movably disposed on the first fasteningstrip and the second fastening strip, the slider facilitating theocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward the first endthereof and facilitating the deocclusion of the fastening strips whenmoved toward the second end thereof, and the slider including aseparator, the separator being disposed between the first fasteningstrip and the second fastening strip, the separator including a firstside surface and a second side surface, the surfaces form a tapered plugfor providing a seal between the slider and the fastening strips whenthe slider is adjacent the first end of the fastening strips.
 38. Theinvention according to claim 37 wherein the first side surface and thesecond side surface of the slider form a wedge for deoccluding thefastening strips.
 39. The invention according to claim 37 wherein thefirst end and the second end of the fastening strips include a firstmelted portion and a second melted portion, respectively.
 40. Theinvention according to claim 37 wherein the first fastening strip andthe second fastening strip comprise U-channel fastening strips.
 41. Theinvention according to claim 37 wherein the slider includes a topportion, a first side wall, and a second side wall.
 42. The inventionaccording to claim 41 wherein the top portion, the first side wall, thesecond side wall, and the separator form a first passage, a secondpassage, and an occlusion passage, the first passage and the secondpassage both communicating with the occlusion passage, the firstfastening strip extending through the first passage and the occlusionpassage, and the second fastening strip extending through the secondpassage and the occlusion passage.
 43. The invention according to claim37 wherein the first side surface of the separator includes a channel,the second side surface of the separator includes a key, the firstfastening strip includes a first closure element, the first closureelement of the first fastening strip is disposed within the channel ofthe first side surface of the separator, the second fastening stripincludes a second closure element, and the key of the second sidesurface of the separator is disposed within the second closure elementof the second fastening strip.
 44. The invention according to claim 37wherein the first fastening strip and the second fastening stripcomprise “rib and groove” fastening strips.
 45. The invention accordingto claim 37 wherein the first fastening strip includes a groove element,the second fastening strip includes a rib element, the first sidesurface of the separator includes a recess, the second side surface ofthe separator includes a recess, the groove element of the firstfastening strip is disposed within the recess of the first side surfaceof the separator, and the rib element of the second fastening strip isdisposed within the recess of the second side surface of the separator.46. The invention according to claim 37 wherein the first fasteningstrip and the second fastening strip comprise “profile” fasteningstrips.
 47. The invention according to claim 37 wherein the firstfastening strip includes a first profile, the second fastening stripincludes a second profile, the first side surface of the separatorincludes a groove, the second side surface of the separator includes agroove, the first profile of the first fastening strip is disposedwithin the groove of the first side surface of the separator, and thesecond profile of the second fastening strip is disposed within thegroove of the second side surface of the separator.
 48. The inventionaccording to claim 37 wherein the first fastening strip and the secondfastening strip comprise “rolling action” fastening strips.
 49. Theinvention according to claim 37 wherein the first fastening stripincludes a first rib and groove element, the second fastening stripincludes a second rib and groove element, the first side surface of theseparator includes a key, the second side surface of the separatorincludes a key, the key of the first side surface of the separator isdisposed within the first rib and groove element of the first fasteningstrip, and the key of the second side surface of the separator isdisposed within the second rib and groove element of the secondfastening strip.
 50. A closure device, comprising: a first fasteningstrip; a second fastening strip, the first fastening strip and thesecond fastening strip being adapted to interlock with each other over apredetermined length between first and second ends thereof and beingsecured together at the first end and the second end; and a slider, theslider being movably disposed on the first fastening strip and thesecond fastening strip, the slider interlocking the fastening stripswhen the slider moves toward the first end, and the slider including anose portion for latching the slider.
 51. The invention according toclaim 50 wherein the nose portion can operably cooperate with thefastening strips to latch the slider in a closed position adjacent thefirst end of the fastening strips.
 52. The invention according to claim51 wherein the nose portion is configured to be sufficiently flexiblerelative to the first end of the fastening strips such that the noseportion is deflectable to allow the nose portion to move to a latchedposition.
 53. The invention according to claim 51 wherein the first endof the fastening strips is configured to be sufficiently flexiblerelative to the nose portion such that the first end is deflectable toallow the nose portion to move to a latched position.
 54. The inventionaccording to claim 50 wherein the slider includes a separator, theseparator being disposed between the first fastening strip and thesecond fastening strip.
 55. The invention according to claim 54 whereinwhen the nose portion of the slider is in a latched position, theseparator is in contacting relation with the fastening strips to providea seal.
 56. The invention according to claim 55 wherein the separatorincludes a first side surface and a second side surface, the surfacesform a wedge for deoccluding the fastening strips and a tapered plug forproviding the seal between the slider and the fastening strips when thenose portion of the slider is in the latched position.
 57. A closuredevice, comprising: a first fastening strip; a second fastening strip,the first fastening strip and the second fastening strip being adaptedto interlock with each other over a predetermined length between firstand second ends thereof and being secured together at the first end andthe second end; and a slider, the slider being movably disposed on thefirst fastening strip and the second fastening strip, the sliderinterlocking the fastening strips when the slider moves toward the firstend, and the slider including a valve.
 58. The invention according toclaim 57 wherein the slider includes a separator, the separator isdisposed between the first fastening strip and the second fasteningstrip, the separator includes a first side surface and a second sidesurface, and the surfaces form a wedge for deoccluding the fasteningstrips and a tapered plug for providing a seal between the slider andthe fastening strips when the slider is adjacent the first end of thefastening strips.
 59. The invention according to claim 57 furthercomprising a nose portion for latching the slider.
 60. The inventionaccording to claim 58 further comprising a nose portion for latching theslider.
 61. A closure device, comprising: a first fastening strip; asecond fastening strip, the first fastening strip and the secondfastening strip being adapted to interlock with each other over apredetermined length between first and second ends thereof and beingsecured together at the first end and the second end; and a slider, theslider being movably disposed on the first fastening strip and thesecond fastening strip, the slider interlocking the fastening stripswhen the slider moves toward the first end, and the slider including atop portion, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a separator;wherein the top portion, the first side wall, the second side wall, andthe separator form a first passage, a second passage, and an occlusionpassage, the first passage and the second passage both communicatingwith the occlusion passage, the first fastening strip extending throughthe first passage and the occlusion passage, and the second fasteningstrip extending through the second passage and the occlusion passage.62. A closure device, comprising: a first fastening strip; a secondfastening strip, the first fastening strip and the second fasteningstrip being adapted to interlock with each other over a predeterminedlength between first and second ends thereof and being secured togetherat the first end and the second end; and a slider, the slider beingmovably disposed on the first fastening strip and the second fasteningstrip, the slider interlocking the fastening strips when the slidermoves toward the first end, and the slider including a separator, theseparator having a first side surface and a second side surface; whereinthe first side surface of the separator conforms to the first fasteningstrip to provide a seal between the slider and the first fasteningstrip, and the second side surface of the separator conforms to thesecond fastening strip to provide a seal between the slider and thesecond fastening strip.
 63. The invention according to claim 62 whereinthe first fastening strip includes a first closure element, the firstclosure element contacting the first side surface of the slider toprovide the seal between the slider and the first fastening strip, andthe second fastening strip includes a second closure element, the secondclosure element contacting the second side surface of the slider toprovide the seal between the slider and the second fastening strip. 64.A closure device, comprising: a first fastening strip, the firstfastening strip including a first closure element; a second fasteningstrip, the second fastening strip including a second closure element,the first closure element and the second closure element being adaptedto interlock with each other over a predetermined length between firstand second ends of the fastening strips; and a slider, the slider beingmovably disposed on the first fastening strip and the second fasteningstrip, the slider interlocking the fastening strips when the slidermoves toward the first end, and the slider including a top portion and aseparator, the separator depending from the top portion; wherein theclosure device has a longitudinal X axis and a transverse Y axis, thetransverse Y axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis, theclosure device has a vertical Z axis, the vertical Z axis beingperpendicular to the longitudinal X axis, and the vertical Z axis beingperpendicular to the transverse Y axis, and the separator extending fromthe top portion along the Z axis a predetermined distance beyond thefirst and the second closure elements.
 65. A container comprising: afirst side wall and a second side wall joined together by a first seamand a second seam, the first side wall includes a first fastening strip,the second side wall includes a second fastening strip; and a slideradapted to be movably disposed on the fastening strips and to facilitatethe occlusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a first endthereof and the deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward asecond end thereof, the slider includes a separator, the separator isdisposed between the first fastening strip and the second fasteningstrip, the separator includes a first side surface and a second sidesurface, and the surfaces form a tapered plug for providing a sealbetween the slider and the fastening strips when the slider is adjacentthe first end of the fastening strips.
 66. A container comprising: afirst side wall and a second side wall joined together by a first seamand a second seam, the first side wall includes a first fastening strip,the second side wall includes a second fastening strip; and a slideradapted to be movably disposed on the fastening strips and to facilitatethe occlusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a first endthereof and the deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward asecond end thereof, the slider includes a nose portion for latching theslider when the slider is adjacent the first end of the fasteningstrips.
 67. A container comprising: a first side wall and a second sidewall joined together by a first seam and a second seam, the first sidewall includes a first fastening strip, the second side wall includes asecond fastening strip; and a slider adapted to be movably disposed onthe fastening strips and to facilitate the occlusion of the fasteningstrips when moved toward a first end thereof and the deocclusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a second end thereof, and the sliderincludes a valve.
 68. A container comprising: a first side wall and asecond side wall joined together by a first seam and a second seam, thefirst side wall includes a first fastening strip, the second side wallincludes a second fastening strip; and a slider adapted to be movablydisposed on the fastening strips and to facilitate the occlusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a first end thereof and thedeocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a second endthereof, and the slider including a top portion, a first side wall, asecond side wall, and a separator; wherein the top portion, the firstside wall, the second side wall, and the separator form a first passage,a second passage, and an occlusion passage, the first passage and thesecond passage both communicating with the occlusion passage, the firstfastening strip extending through the first passage and the occlusionpassage, and the second fastening strip extending through the secondpassage and the occlusion passage.
 69. A container comprising: a firstside wall and a second side wall joined together by a first seam and asecond seam, the first side wall includes a first fastening strip, thesecond side wall includes a second fastening strip; and a slider adaptedto be movably disposed on the fastening strips and to facilitate theocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a first end thereofand the deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a secondend thereof, and the slider includes a separator, the separator having afirst side surface and a second side surface; wherein the first sidesurface of the separator conforms to the first fastening strip toprovide a seal between the slider and the first fastening strip, and thesecond side surface of the separator conforms to the second fasteningstrip to provide a seal between the slider and the second fasteningstrip.
 70. A container comprising: a first side wall and a second sidewall joined together by a first seam and a second seam, the first sidewall includes a first fastening strip, the second side wall includes asecond fastening strip; and a slider adapted to be movably disposed onthe fastening strips and to facilitate the occlusion of the fasteningstrips when moved toward a first end thereof and the deocclusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a second end thereof, and the sliderincludes a top portion and a separator, the separator depending from thetop portion; wherein the container has a longitudinal X axis and atransverse Y axis, the transverse Y axis being perpendicular to thelongitudinal X axis, the container has a vertical Z axis, the vertical Zaxis being perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis, and the vertical Zaxis being perpendicular to the transverse Y axis, and the separatorextending from the top portion along the Z axis a predetermined distancebeyond the first and the second closure elements.
 71. A method ofmanufacturing a container comprising: providing a first sidewall and asecond sidewall, the first sidewall includes a first fastening strip,the second sidewall includes a second fastening strip, the first and thesecond fastening strips being adapted to interlock with each other overa predetermined length between first and second ends thereof; andproviding a slider adapted to be movably disposed on the fasteningstrips and to facilitate the occlusion of the fastening strips whenmoved toward a first end thereof and the deocclusion of the fasteningstrips when moved toward a second end thereof, the slider includes aseparator, the separator being disposed between the first fasteningstrip and the second fastening strip, the separator includes a firstside surface and a second side surface, and the surfaces form a taperedplug for providing a seal between the slider and the fastening stripswhen the slider is adjacent the first end of the fastening strips.
 72. Amethod of manufacturing a container comprising: providing a firstsidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall includes a firstfastening strip, the second sidewall includes a second fastening strip,the first and the second fastening strips being adapted to interlockwith each other over a predetermined length between first and secondends thereof; and providing a slider adapted to be movably disposed onthe fastening strips and to facilitate the occlusion of the fasteningstrips when moved toward a first end thereof and the deocclusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a second end thereof, and the sliderincludes a nose portion for latching the slider when the slider isadjacent the first end of the fastening strips.
 73. A method ofmanufacturing a container comprising: providing a first sidewall and asecond sidewall, the first sidewall includes a first fastening strip,the second sidewall includes a second fastening strip, the first and thesecond fastening strips being adapted to interlock with each other overa predetermined length between first and second ends thereof; andproviding a slider adapted to be movably disposed on the fasteningstrips and to facilitate the occlusion of the fastening strips whenmoved toward a first end thereof and the deocclusion of the fasteningstrips when moved toward a second end thereof, and the slider includes avalve.
 74. A method of manufacturing a container comprising: providing afirst sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall includes afirst fastening strip, the second sidewall includes a second fasteningstrip, the first and the second fastening strips being adapted tointerlock with each other over a predetermined length between first andsecond ends thereof; and providing a slider adapted to be movablydisposed on the fastening strips and to facilitate the occlusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a first end thereof and thedeocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a second endthereof, and the slider includes a top portion, a first side wall, asecond side wall, and a separator, wherein the top portion, the firstside wall, the second side wall, and the separator form a first passage,a second passage, and an occlusion passage, the first passage and thesecond passage both communicating with the occlusion passage, the firstfastening strip extending through the first passage and the occlusionpassage, and the second fastening strip extending through the secondpassage and the occlusion passage.
 75. A method of manufacturing acontainer comprising: providing a first sidewall and a second sidewall,the first sidewall includes a first fastening strip, the second sidewallincludes a second fastening strip, the first and the second fasteningstrips being adapted to interlock with each other over a predeterminedlength between first and second ends thereof; and providing a slideradapted to be movably disposed on the fastening strips and to facilitatethe occlusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a first endthereof and the deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward asecond end thereof, and the slider includes a separator, the separatorhaving a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein the firstside surface of the separator conforms to the first fastening strip toprovide a seal between the slider and the first fastening strip, and thesecond side surface of the separator conforms to the second fasteningstrip to provide a seal between the slider and the second fasteningstrip.
 76. A method of manufacturing a container comprising: providing afirst sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall includes afirst fastening strip, the second sidewall includes a second fasteningstrip, the first and the second fastening strips being adapted tointerlock with each other over a predetermined length between first andsecond ends thereof; and providing a slider adapted to be movablydisposed on the fastening strips and to facilitate the occlusion of thefastening strips when moved toward a first end thereof and thedeocclusion of the fastening strips when moved toward a second endthereof, and the slider includes a top portion and a separator, theseparator depending from the top portion, wherein the closure device hasa longitudinal X axis and a transverse Y axis, the transverse Y axisbeing perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis, the closure device has avertical Z axis, the vertical Z axis being perpendicular to thelongitudinal X axis, and the vertical Z axis being perpendicular to thetransverse Y axis, and the separator extending from the top portion apredetermined distance along the Z axis beyond the first and the secondclosure elements.